CARNIVORA. 
^71 
nine, on the contrary, very short ; the cheek-teeth 
all conical or pointed; and the whole system of 
these organs different from that of any of the animals 
hitherto mentioned as proper to this order. 
THE COMMON HEDGEHOG. l’HERISSON. 
Erinaceus Europceus, L. 
The hedgehog has the body covered with spines in- 
stead of hair, which form a defensive armour against 
more powerful animals ; and this is rendered much 
more effectual in consequence of a faculty it pos- 
sesses by means of muscles in the skin, that serve 
to bring the head and feet close up to the belly, so 
as to form a sort of ball. The tail and ears are very 
short. 
The hedgehog passes its monotonous winter in a 
rabbit’s hole, or some such retreat, where it may be 
found rolled up, and so surrounded with dried leaves 
and moss, as not to be recognised at first sight. It 
is met with in the temperate parts of Europe and 
Asia. It incurs the ill will of the peasants here from 
a prevailing idea that it sucks the cows ; and Al- 
drovandus states, that it will carry fruit, such as 
apples, &c., to its hole, by rolling itself among them, 
and thus taking it up with its prickles ; but these 
are likely to be some of the numerous errors imbibed 
respecting various animals. 
